Around the world, many people dream of moving to Canada. However, , according to reports, more than 118,000 Canadians left the country in 2024. Remitly conducted a survey. More than 4,800 participants from 26 countries took part in it. Canada sits at the top of the list of dream destinations. Canada ranks ahead of Australia and Japan. However, the reasons people choose Canada often differ from what one might imagine.
While people around the world dream of building a new life elsewhere, a few key factors consistently top the list in survey responses.
- Important Factors for Starting a New Life:
- Quality of life: a clean environment, healthcare, reliable public services, and safety
- Overall lifestyle: balance between work and leisure, everyday comfort, and a sense of community
- Better job opportunities: potential for growth and stable employment.
- For those looking to move to Canada, improving quality of life ranks at the very top. Another reason is the scenery of the country. From coastal towns to bustling cities, and from mountain ranges to lakes, Canada offers stunning landscapes. It appeals both to those seeking adventure and to those who prefer a slower pace of life. The country’s reputation for its welcoming communities is one of the other reasons.
Many Canadians Dream of Living in Another Country
According to the survey, many Canadians themselves expressed a desire to live in places like the U.S., Australia, Japan, and the U.K. Like other respondents, they want to move for better quality of life, new lifestyle experiences, and environmental factors.
Emigration from Canada has reached record levels. In 2024, Statistics Canada reported that more than 118,000 citizens had moved abroad. In just the first half of 2025, around 54,530 Canadians have already left the country. That figure stands out as the highest ever recorded for the first half of a year. The trend of emigration isn’t the same across Canada.
Why Does Canada Still Look So Appealing?
Despite Canadians’ desire to move abroad, global interest in Canada remains very strong. People find what the country represents deeply appealing. For many, the Great White North isn’t just a backup plan, it’s the destination of their dreams.